Ryerson canvas

A great place to experience what Ryerson has to offer artistically is the Architecture building, located at 325 Gould Street. Upon entering the building, one sees several 3-D models on display.

The models are mostly class projects, says Daniela Tenuta, v.p. finance of the Architecture Course Union (ACU). For example, all students have to create something for their first and second year history classes.

However, the work is not limited to models. There are also paintings, sketches and handmade furniture designed by the students, most of which the creators use to furnish their own homes.

The ACU puts on an end-of-the-year art show. This show isn’t necessarily architecture oriented, explains Tenuta, a fourth-year project management student. She says the emphasis is on fine arts.

The most popular annual event in the Architecture building occurs at the end of October. Third-year design students have to make wearable Halloween masks geared towards architecture. In past years, some have even been presented in a musical show.

The creative outlet of the students — who call themselves “architorture” students — is most visible in the building’s three stairwells, where graffiti rules (and has ruled since the ‘80s).

Tenuta describes the graffiti-art as a release after long hour of work. “You’re here all night. [Our professors] don’t really mind as long as it’s tasteful and intelligent.”